Since the 1970s, Flanders has increasingly focused on cleantech. New sustainable materials and technologies are rapidly being embraced in the region, while innovative solutions have accelerated this process even further. As a result, Flanders has established itself as a growth accelerator for clean technologies. “Every year, 85 cleantech patents are published in Flanders, covering virtually all cleantech domains,” the 2020 Cleantech Report highlights. “The region’s dedicated research institutes – such as VITO – and major commercial players continue to be the main drivers of these activities.”  

Finally, the 2020 Cleantech Report zooms in on which sectors and domains are the main focal points of Flanders’ cleantech scene: “Companies that focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency remain strong players. However, growth in the circular economy – including waste management and recycling – has been particularly striking in recent years. 

“Continuous innovation as well as the application of novel technologies – such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensors, lightweight materials, 3D printing, blockchain, big data, drones and more – will give an additional boost to ‘traditional’ cleantech domains in the coming years,” the report concludes. “This will also accelerate implementation to solve real-life challenges.”